Toberua Island Tops Beekeeper’s List
Entrepreneur Eleni Rasaqiwa made honey a source of income to support her family in the village in Vatani, Kaba.
She is married to Dave Turagaiviu with four children.
The bee keeping business was initially a mataqali project before it was handed over to the couple to run and operate it as their own.
With an investment of $2000, the couple purchased double boxes, including the bee suits and other materials.
“For me personally when we started with this, I didn’t know anything and I was also pregnant, but that did not stop me from checking on the bees and wearing suits and doing all the bee stuff,” Ms Rasaqiwa said. “We attended a Basic Beekeeping Course training in Wainibokasi, which equipped us to grow our small business gradually,” she said.
Since 2021 when the business started, the couple have harvested honey four times. They have plans to purchase two more boxes, which means more honey.
How many places have you visited around Fiji?
I’ve travelled to Kadavu, and Labasa. Hopefully, we will get to visit more places together as a family.
What is the one place in take visitors to and why? Fiji you would
Toberua Island Resort. Visitors would enjoy themselves on the private island, with friendly staff, and lots of activities to keep you occupied.
The resort offers thatched-roof bungalows located by clear water and white sands.
What is your favourite place for coffee?
I love my homemade coffee especially when I have to brew it over the firewood.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like to rest during my spare time, it is important to take care of our health, especially when we’re running a family and looking after our farm and small business. Resting helps my body rejuvenate and ready physically, mentally and spritually.
What is one place in Fiji that remains on your bucket list, and why?
I haven’t been to the Hidden Paradise of Savusavu.
I have heard so much of it and hopefully I get to go there by the end of this year.